From Sola Ojo, Abuja
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has stepped up investigations into the alleged misappropriation of $2.9 billion meant to revamp three refineries.
This is as the immediate past Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr Mele Kyari, dismissed media reports that he was arrested and taken into the custody of the EFCC as imagination of the writers and their sponsors.
A credible source in the EFCC said the anti graft agency was making progress in its probe into the alleged misappropriation of funds meant for the rehabilitation of Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna Refineries.
“As you may have known, for a few years now, the Federal Government has intention of reviving three refineries in Port Harcourt in Rivers, Warri in Delta and Kaduna, Kaduna State.
“Up till this moment, these are yet to become a reality despite billions of dollars allegedly spent so far.
“So what I know is that the commission is working round the clock to unravel the misery behind such spending and I can tell you that in addition to those that have been identified, more high-profile individuals will follow”, the source said in confidence.
Meanwhile, Kyari has insisted that he had done nothing wrong to warrant arrest by EFCC as he served the country diligently during his career in the oil sector.
“I served not only my country but also God. I am happy to account for my stewardship
“Over the past few days and in particular in the past 2 hours, I have been inundated with calls from concerned family and friends over claims by an online newspaper that I was in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
“This is clear mischief and a calculated attempt by the newspaper and its sponsors to achieve a desired outcome, which only they know.
“At present, I am taking a well-deserved rest after the dissolution of the management and board of the NNPCL, of which I was the Group Chief Executive.
“It should be stated that having served the NNPC and the NNPCL for 34 years, and 17 of those in management roles and especially the last 5 years and 9 months, I had little time for leave of even two weeks. So, I am thankful for the opportunity to serve under their Excellencies Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“I must emphasise that I served with the fear of God knowing fully well as a Muslim that if I do not account before man, I will account before Allah, and that I am better off accounting to the institutions of man. Therefore, having served in public capacity, I am willing and happy to account for my stewardship in this world.
“However, it is important to state that the resort to disinformation does not serve anyones purpose, the NNPCL or the country in General, as it has the potential to send the wrong signals to investors and the international community.
“It is in this regard that I urge the media to be circumspect and avoid being stampeded into misleading the public on unverified stories or matters that are subject of further validation by relevant organisations.
“I sincerely thank my family and friends who have reached out to me or tried to do so and assure them that I am available to respond to all lawful queries”, Kyari wrote.